Iowa soldiers leave for Obama Inauguration

Posted:
Thursday, January 15, 2009 11:57 PM EST

CAMP DODGE (KWWL) -- Barack Obama's inauguration on is Tuesday. Soldiers with the Iowa National Guard will be there.

About 1,000 soldiers left Thursday from a dozen bases across the state -- including Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City. The troops met at Camp Dodge for training before shipping out to Washington, D.C. The guard members will help with security and other duties for the inauguration.

"I think this is just a great opportunity for the Iowa National Guard not only to serve our country but also to represent the State of Iowa on a grand stage," said SPC. Lucas Beenken.